How Do I Start Playing With the Big Boys and Girls

I have to agree with Sogood51. I have always liked my Mistral integrated amp but thought that I was missing something since I didn't have tubes (After all, I much prefer tube guitar amps over ss). But then I bought a PS Audio P300 Powerplant and plugged my tt, tt preamp, and cdp, and even the amp into it, and I can now say that I don't need tubes anytime soon. Turns out, I had been missing the exceptional performance that my "budget" integrated amp can provide because I was drawing dirty, uneven power. That said, sounds like you are about to embark on a journey--have fun!

Eldragon: Not sure what you're getting at, but I was really just trying to suggest to JCBACH that his search for the right equipment is more complex than ss vs. tube (or maybe you don't like the PS Audio product?); there will be surprises along the way. The bottom line is that each of us must make our own choices based on listening, and it's a good idea to do that by first casting off any prejudices such as ss=better bass, tube=detail, more $=better sound.